WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1853
428
terrapins. They are a delicious 1norceau for the epicure or the gourmand. These turtles would sally forth from their respective encampments, for they were put in separate places on board the ship. They were very beligerent in their disposition one to another. They would approach formally, slowly at first, then made a sudden movement, then another, reconnoitering with great care, their eyes scintilating fire and their breath deep-toned; at last they approached near each other, and coming almost in contact, one raised with great caution, a little tremulous, but nerving himself at the other, as is their custom, and gave vent to an expression of his indignation. "Foo-foo-foo !" and fell back a little. The other raised his head, slowly drew up in the same way, and extended himself, let forth "Foo-foo-foo !" raising his head a little higher than the other. They kept alternating that way until at last one got decidedly the advantage-although it was a very small advantage-and the other discovered it, and the moment he did, he beat a retreat and backed out with all possible facility. A little blowing and a little tip-toeing was all that was ·.done. I do ·trust that the resolutions of the Senator from Michigan will pass off in the same way; they will hurt nobody. lCongi·essional Globe, and A7>pendix, Part I, 1852-1853, pp. 1012, 1015- 1018. 2 The resolutions by Lewis Cass, Senator from Michigan, were presented on January 4, 1853 (see Congressional Globe, Part I, 1852-1853, p. 199). Omit- ting all the legal terms, these resolutions were to the effect: (1) that the North American continent was no longer to be considered subject to future colonization by European powers; (2) while the United States did not design tc be inconsistent with the laws of nations, they should consider an effort of any other power to procure possessions in any nation of the North American continent, dangerous to their southern coast, to the Gulf of Mexico, etc., and such effort would be resisted with all the means within their power.
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REMARKS ON AN INDIAN APPROPRIATION BILL, MARCH 3, 1853 1
I really do not think it is necessary to threaten the Govern- ment of the United States. It has entered into no treaty with Florida. If it has entered into a treaty with the Indians of Florida, it is for the Government to consumate and carry out that treaty, but not for Florida. The United States have given Florida her existence. They bought Florida from a foreign government, and they were certainly under no obligation to Florida, or to the citizens of Florida beyond what they have
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